Law enforcement mourns death of Prince George officer

PRINCE GEORGE, VA (WWBT) - The Prince George County Police Department is mourning the death of one of its own.

46-year-old Shelly Crowder was off duty when she died Monday night. Now, investigators say foul play is not suspected, though it's unclear what caused the death of Crowder.

What is clear, she'll be missed by loved ones and her law enforcement family.

"She was one of those individuals that just wanted to be involved and making sure her efforts would help the citizens of this county," said Prince George County Police Chief Edward Frankenstein.

Counselors are on hand to help officers deal with the unexpected loss.

"When we lose one, whether on duty or off duty, it's a very traumatic event and this incident certainly brings us tighter together," Frankenstein added.

Police were called to Crowder's home, in the 17000 block of Lebanon Road, around 9:30 Monday night. When investigators arrived Crowder was out of the swimming pool and her husband was performing CPR. Investigators say Crowder later died at the hospital.

"She was an officer others could admire and a lot of them did and I think that's why she was so well respected," said Frankenstein.

Officer Crowder worked for the Prince George county police department for more than a decade. Colleagues say she had an infectious smile and a true love for the job.

Crowder worked in the community policing unit and assisted with establishing the "Gotcha" program. She recently suffered a stroke and had undergone physical therapy. Crowder's husband is a lieutenant with the Prince George county police department.

State police is conducting the death investigation at the request of the county police department. Crowder's body is at the medical examiner's office where a cause of death will be determined.